Vineyard Establishment
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Collapse ▲Site Selection
Selecting an appropriate site is a critical step in establishing a successful vineyard. North Carolina has a wide range of microclimates that create both opportunities and challenges for grape production. Factors such as temperatures, precipitation, soil drainage, slope orientation, elevation and frost all contribute to the suitability of a particular location and the grape variety. With these varied climates across the Coastal, Piedmont, and Mountain regions a variety of grapevine cultivars are grown: European cultivars (Vitis vinifera), hybrids (crosses between two or more Vitis species), native American varieties (Vitis aestivalis and Vitis labruscana) and muscadines (Vitis rotundifolia). Though European style winegrapes grow best in Piedmont and Mountain regions.
When evaluating a site, consider the following categories:
- Elevation: 1800′ or higher for Pierce’s Disease
- Slope: No steeper than 15%. Look for slopes where machinery operation are accessible, water runoff, air drainage. Do not plant at base of slope – cold air pools.
- Aspect: South slopes will increase heat units, east slopes dry off earlier in day.
- Crop history and soil: Soil pH needed for grapevines is 6.0-6.5, minimum rooting depth of 30-36 in, good water supplying capacity but well-drained, organic matter content <3.5%. Previous use of prospective vineyard can influence all of this.
- Climate and Microclimate: Climate will largely determine the suitability of a particular grape variety for a region. Determine what your lowest winter temperature is, last fall and spring frosts, growing degree days (heat units), when and how much precipitation. Read more here.
Resources for site selection
- North Carolina Winegrape Grower’s Guide – Chapter 5. Vineyard Establishment
- Bunch Grape Webinar Series
- Vineyard Site Selection – Grape Cooperative Extension
Soil Preparation
The main goals for soil preparation is to correct deficiencies in soil pH and nutrient availability. Typically, NC soils are acidic, requiring the addition of lime to reach minimum requirements of 6.0-6.5 pH. Soil test at least a year before planting to add the correct amount of lime and nutrients. In some instances ripping the soil with equipment is necessary to remove roots and break up hardpan within soil. Additionally, eliminate noxious weeds prior to planting.
Resources for soil preparation
- Watch our Bunch Grape Webinar Series on Nutrition
- NCDA soil testing services
- Vineyard Soils: Texture and Structure – Grape Cooperative Extension
Vineyard Structures
There are many vineyard trellising options to choose from. The vineyard trellis must be strong enough to support the vigorous vines, as well as force of occasional high winds. Before choosing a trellis design, consider the cultivar chosen, site selected, mechanization, pruning accessibility, and cost. The following resources are great starts to learn and make decisions.
Resources for Vineyard Structures
- North Carolina Winegrape Grower’s Guide – Chapter 5. Vineyard Establishment
- Bunch Grape Webinar Series
- Choosing a Trellis System – Grape Cooperative Extension
Cultivars
As stated above NC has many microclimates that allow for the potential to grow a variety of cultivars. You can read more about NC’s winegrape cultivars geographic distribution and climate characteristics to understand what cultivars may suit your site. Besides utilizing the following resources, reach out to your N.C. Cooperative Extension Horticulture Agent to help establish your vineyard!